Today was an indoor gardening day so I had a lot of trimming to do, and it made me remember what it was like last year when I was a panicked wreck about what a tort salad was, how often to feed, what was in it and everything else I could possibly freak out about, so I thought I would share Odin's lunch snack.
For reference, he does not get regular salads, not that there is anything wrong with it. I just prefer him to graze freely in his enclosure, choosing what he prefers at the time, and hopefully knowing what his body needs, but when things aren't growing well inside or out, particularly in our Minnesota winters, even I throw in a bit of store bought food. (about a dozen times in 19 months, but who's counting
)
The special today, in Master Odin's bistro is a bed of fresh fescue (three varieties), tender young wheat grass, and a smidge of catgrass along with a couple of julienned hibiscus leaves, a few store-bought spring mix leaves and rough-chopped opuntia (fresh off the plant!)
This lovely ensemble is topped with a bit of freshly grated pumpkin (rind included) and a crumble of dried hibiscus leaves and just a hint of timothy hay......
He is not a fan of the size comparison. Maybe he is conscious of his eating habits and he does not want the internet to judge him? I do not know, but this is the rough size of the salads he receives. I aim for nearly the size of his shell with fresh offerings.
This delightful summer mix is tossed lightly with a vinaigrette of two whole mazuri pellets, soaked and crushed with only the best aged city water
And then topped with crunchy fruity pebble croutons, which you can't see because as soon as the salad is served someone starts shoving it in his face.
Alas my dreams of a tortoise food blog will never be realized because he is "starving to death" and can't wait a hot second for me to take a picture.
*dramatic sigh*
Shh! He is distracted and can't see the camera!
These are the fruity pebbles to which I was referring. Last year when my son brought him home, these were the recommended foods the breeder told him about. I am not saying there is anything wrong with them, and obviously I am serving them now, but upon further research I am not comfortable making them a staple in his diet, particularly the first one because of the obvious added dyes.
On the other hand, I am cheap and unwilling to waste something that he obviously enjoys, so, when he gets a salad we use these as a light topping, which is why I call them fruity pebble croutons.
He cannot get the food in his face fast enough.
But eating can be a logistical nightmare for a hefty 1+ pound beast such as this! You eat your way across the bowl and suddenly realize all the food is underneath your shell! Quick re positioning is in order!
Ahhhh! There is the food!
This is by no means a recipe, as it is different every time he gets one depending on what is growing and what needs trimming, but during salad days, he gets one of these a day, plus a snack.
Other tasty ingredients include aloe vera, banana leaves, opuntia fruit, dandelion greens or flowers, etc. etc.
Bon Appetit!
~Tort Soux-Chef Gma.
For reference, he does not get regular salads, not that there is anything wrong with it. I just prefer him to graze freely in his enclosure, choosing what he prefers at the time, and hopefully knowing what his body needs, but when things aren't growing well inside or out, particularly in our Minnesota winters, even I throw in a bit of store bought food. (about a dozen times in 19 months, but who's counting
)The special today, in Master Odin's bistro is a bed of fresh fescue (three varieties), tender young wheat grass, and a smidge of catgrass along with a couple of julienned hibiscus leaves, a few store-bought spring mix leaves and rough-chopped opuntia (fresh off the plant!)
This lovely ensemble is topped with a bit of freshly grated pumpkin (rind included) and a crumble of dried hibiscus leaves and just a hint of timothy hay......
He is not a fan of the size comparison. Maybe he is conscious of his eating habits and he does not want the internet to judge him? I do not know, but this is the rough size of the salads he receives. I aim for nearly the size of his shell with fresh offerings.
This delightful summer mix is tossed lightly with a vinaigrette of two whole mazuri pellets, soaked and crushed with only the best aged city water
And then topped with crunchy fruity pebble croutons, which you can't see because as soon as the salad is served someone starts shoving it in his face.
Alas my dreams of a tortoise food blog will never be realized because he is "starving to death" and can't wait a hot second for me to take a picture.
*dramatic sigh*
Shh! He is distracted and can't see the camera!
These are the fruity pebbles to which I was referring. Last year when my son brought him home, these were the recommended foods the breeder told him about. I am not saying there is anything wrong with them, and obviously I am serving them now, but upon further research I am not comfortable making them a staple in his diet, particularly the first one because of the obvious added dyes.
On the other hand, I am cheap and unwilling to waste something that he obviously enjoys, so, when he gets a salad we use these as a light topping, which is why I call them fruity pebble croutons.
He cannot get the food in his face fast enough.
But eating can be a logistical nightmare for a hefty 1+ pound beast such as this! You eat your way across the bowl and suddenly realize all the food is underneath your shell! Quick re positioning is in order!
Ahhhh! There is the food!
This is by no means a recipe, as it is different every time he gets one depending on what is growing and what needs trimming, but during salad days, he gets one of these a day, plus a snack.
Other tasty ingredients include aloe vera, banana leaves, opuntia fruit, dandelion greens or flowers, etc. etc.
Bon Appetit!
~Tort Soux-Chef Gma.
